Beyond The Blend

In this powerful episode of Beyond the Blend, we welcome Elisa Swanson-Parbäck, Business Development Director – Sustainable Lubricants at Perstorp Group. From a diving instructor in Finland to the European Parliament in Brussels, Elisa’s journey blends sustainability, business acumen, and personal purpose. This conversation uncovers how curiosity, reflection, and community spirit have propelled he...

In this episode of Beyond the Blend, we sit down with Mark Lord, Managing Director of Aztec Oils Ltd, who brings four decades of real-world experience, unfiltered honesty, and a deep passion for people to the mic. From fridges at Heelas to founding and scaling one of the UK’s most respected lubricant businesses, Mark’s journey is all about spotting opportunity, trusting people, and never standing...

In this energising episode of Beyond the Blend, we’re joined by Ella Auchterlounie, Marketing Executive at Vickers Oils, who brings fresh eyes, digital savvy, and a whole lot of energy to one of the lubricant industry’s oldest names. From YouTube beginnings to breathing new life into a 200-year-old brand, Ella shares her journey into the world of B2B marketing and how she’s helping make a traditio...

In this energising episode of Beyond the Blend, we meet Neil Chahal, Commercial Director at EL Oils, whose journey from warehouse apprentice to senior leadership is a masterclass in curiosity, humility, and hands-on growth. With trademark wit and unfiltered honesty, Neil walks us through how early lessons, good (and bad) managers, and a focus on people-first leadership have shaped his evolving vis...

In this episode of Beyond the Blend, we sit down with Tina Reading, Head of Media at the United Kingdom Lubricants Association (UKLA) and Editor of Lube Magazine. But Tina’s story goes far beyond press releases and page layouts. From Tudor history to grassroots football, and from launching lifestyle magazines to community toy drives, her career is a masterclass in passion, versatility, and the pow...

In this episode of Beyond the Blend, host Rob Taylor sits down with Anthony Roberts, CEO of Blueprint Event Company and the driving force behind Lubricant Expo, the world's largest lubricant-focused exhibition. Anthony shares how his passion for events, music, and community-building led him to create a global platform that is shaping the future of the lubricant industry. Key Topics Discussed: ✅ T...

In this episode of Beyond the Blend, we sit down with Elaine Hepley, a varnish specialist, technical services and sales manager at Delta Zero, and founder of Solana Consulting. Elaine’s journey is anything but ordinary—spanning criminology, blood splatter analysis, classic car restoration, and data analytics before she became a leading voice in varnish mitigation. With her trademark passion and en...

In this episode of Beyond the Blend, host Rob Taylor sits down with Rafe Britton, engineer, lubrication specialist, and creator of Lubrication Explained, a highly successful YouTube channel educating the industry. Rafe shares his journey from aerospace engineering to lubricants, the industry's marketing problem, and how AI is changing the way people work and buy. Key Topics Discussed: * The Ac...

In this episode of Beyond the Blend, host Rob Taylor sit down with Richard Camper, President of ILMA (Independent Lubricant Manufacturers Association) and EVP of Hasco Oil. Richard shares his insights on the evolving lubricant industry, talent attraction challenges, AI’s role in shaping business strategies, and the need for a fresh narrative about lubricants’ contribution to sustainability. Key To...

In this inspiring episode of Beyond the Blend, Steve Knapp speaks with Sophie Wand, Sales and Marketing Advisor for UK Lubricants Indirect at Shell, about her journey from a graduate program to a pivotal role at one of the world's largest energy companies. Please note: Sophie's views are her own. Sophie’s story is a testament to the power of resilience, adaptability, and seizing opportunit...

In this episode of Beyond the Blend, we sit down with James Moorhouse, Director at ABN Resource, to explore his fascinating journey from a recruitment agency floor in Leeds to becoming a leading voice in lubricants talent management. With candour and insight, James shares how he’s reshaping recruitment practices and raising the profile of the lubricants industry. Key Takeaways: A Purpose-Driven Ca...

In this insightful episode of Beyond the Blend, Steve Knapp sits down with Daniel Tait, Managing Director of Oil Store, to explore his inspiring journey from starting as an office junior to leading one of the UK's most dynamic lubricant distributors. Daniel shares his story of growth, challenges, and the bold moves that have shaped Oil Store into a trailblazer in the lubricant industry. Key ta...

In this compelling episode of Beyond the Blend, we sit down with John Grierson, Sales Director at Pennine Lubricants, as he shares his remarkable journey from humble beginnings in the warehouse to leading one of the industry's most respected teams. With over 25 years of experience, John reflects on how his hands-on approach — from smashing drainpipes to navigating the Yellow Pages — shaped his...

In this vibrant episode of Beyond the Blend, Steve Knapp connects with Sanya Mathura, Founder and CEO of Strategic Reliability Solutions Ltd. Sanya shares her dynamic journey from electrical and computer engineering into the world of lubricants and reliability solutions. From her early challenges as a young female engineer breaking into a male-dominated industry to building a globally recognised b...

In this compelling episode of Beyond the Blend, Steve Knapp delves into an inspiring conversation with Leyla Alieva, CEO and Co-founder of Neol Copper Technologies. Leyla shares her remarkable journey from a career in finance and investment banking to pioneering innovation within the lubricant industry. She candidly discusses the challenges and opportunities of running a startup in a traditionally...

Meet Rob and Steve - your hosts of Beyond The Blend. In this short introductory episode they explain the motivation behind starting this podcast, and the stories and people they aim to cover as the series unfolds.